You are here:
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Race Date: 11/07/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Description
The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is one of the 15 largest marathons in the country, drawing a sold-out field of 17,500 runners to downtown Indianapolis each November. The fast, flat, Boston-qualifying loop starts and finishes near the Indiana State Capitol, with the only real terrain change coming from a series of small rolling hills between miles 15 and 18. Race weekend also includes a half marathon and 5K, all on the same USATF-certified course. Pace groups help runners of every level chase a fast November finish in the heart of Indiana.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
Share This Race
Shop This Race
Handpicked for runners toeing this line.
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Additional Details:
Finishers earn a color-coded medal, gold for the full, silver for the half, plus a knit toboggan to match. Collectors take note: recent years’ medals carry a small notch cut from one edge, so runners who return year after year can eventually piece them together around a special center medallion. On course, aid is genuinely abundant, with three separate Gu stops in addition to steady water and sports drink, more fueling support than most marathons offer. Locals lean out of their neighborhoods to hand off drinks and candy as runners pass city landmarks near the Capitol. The finish itself earns its “epic” reputation, with a lively after-party and wide stretches of grass where finishers can stretch out and recover.
Course Information
Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 7 hours (full), rolling course closure
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 5,000+
Marathon: 6,600 to 6,700
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 302 ft
Elevation Loss: 302 ft
Average Temperature
- Low: 36°F
- High: 55°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Indianapolis, IN, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Shopping
Mass Ave
Browse shops, restaurants, and bars along Mass Ave, one of downtown Indy’s most walkable arts and entertainment districts — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Museums & History
Indiana State Museum
Explore Indiana’s story across three centuries at the Indiana State Museum inside White River State Park — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Landmark
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Walk the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, a 10-mile urban greenway connecting Fountain Square, White River State Park, and Mass Ave — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Indianapolis Zoo
See 64 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits at the Indianapolis Zoo along the scenic White River — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Arts & Culture
Newfields
Wander the art galleries, gardens, and outdoor installations of Newfields, the 152-acre campus of the Indianapolis Museum of Art — a relaxed, indoor-outdoor way to spend a taper day.
Outdoors & Trails
Monon Trail
Bike or walk the Monon Trail, Indy’s original rail-to-trail greenway stretching more than 25 miles from downtown to Broad Ripple — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
White River State Park
Wander White River State Park, downtown Indy’s riverside green space anchoring the city’s museums and attractions — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Sports & Entertainment
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Tour the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500 and Brickyard 400, about 30 minutes south — a relaxed, mostly-seated outing for tired legs.
Sports & Entertainment
Victory Field
Catch an Indianapolis Indians game at Victory Field, a ballpark set inside White River State Park — a relaxed, mostly-seated way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Indianapolis Monumental Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes